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John V. Winkle Foundation

Established 2010

John V. Winkle
John V. Winkle

The John V. Winkle Foundation was created to provide scholarships to graduates of high schools located within the Community Foundation’s service area.  Graduates of Hinckley‑Big Rock High School and home‑schooled students also are eligible for these awards if they reside with the Community Foundation’s service area.

John V. Winkle (1938-2010) of Aurora (formerly of Batavia, Illinois and Youngstown, Ohio) was born in Youngstown, Ohio.

He was a graduate of Ursuline High School and Youngstown University.

In 1969, Mr. Winkle moved to Illinois where he joined and later would acquire the Weldstar Company in Aurora.

He touched many lives through his philanthropic endeavors and in his service to various organizations, including The Association for Individual Development, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and TriCity Family Services. He also was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church.

Scholarships from his foundation will continue his belief in the potential of every person and his sense of commitment to one’s community.

Honesty, integrity and compassion were the core values upon which he built his personal and professional life.

“Wink” was survived by his wife Carol of fifty years, his seven children and their families, including his biggest fans – his twenty-five grandchildren.

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

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